The effects of calcitriol and nicotinamide on residual pancreatic β‐cell function in patients with recent‐onset Type 1 diabetes (IMDIAB XI)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background  A number of recent studies underline the importance of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes (T1D).Aims  The aim of this study was to investigate whether supplementation with the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) in subjects with recent‐onset T1D protects residual pancreatic β‐cell function and improves glycaemic control (HbA1c and insulin requirement).Methods  In this open‐label randomized trial, 70 subjects with recent‐onset T1D, mean age 13.6 years ± 7.6 sd were randomized to calcitriol (0.25 µg on alternate days) or nicotinamide (25 mg/kg daily) and followed up for 1 year. Intensive insulin therapy was implemented with three daily injections of regular insulin + NPH insulin at bedtime.Results  No significant differences were observed between calcitriol and nicotinamide groups in respect of baseline/stimulated C‐peptide or HbA1c 1 year after diagnosis, but the insulin dose at 3 and 6 months was significantly reduced in the calcitriol group.Conclusions  At the dosage used, calcitriol has a modest effect on residual pancreatic β‐cell function and only temporarily reduces the insulin dose.